What is a Functional Behaviour Assessment?

A functional behaviour assessment (FBA) is a methodical, empathetic process used to identify the underlying causes—or "functions"—of a specific behaviour. Rather than focusing on eliminating a "bad" behaviour through punishment, an FBA seeks to answer one vital question: What is this child trying to tell us or achieve?

Whether a child is trying to escape an overwhelming sensory situation, gain access to a preferred item, or seek connection, understanding the why is the first and most critical step in creating effective strategies for genuine, lasting change.

Practitioner supporting child during a play activity.

How Behavioural Therapy Works

Following a thorough functional behaviour assessment, behavioural therapy translates insights into action. At daar, our therapy aims to teach children new, safer, and more adaptive skills to get their needs met. while also addressing behavioral issues. We focus on skill-building, modifying environments to reduce triggers, and reinforcing positive interactions.
Common Behaviours and Challenges Supported

We provide compassionate support for a wide range of needs, helping children navigate:

  • Physical or verbal aggression
  • Self-injurious behaviours
  • Severe withdrawal or refusal
  • Property destruction
  • School avoidance or classroom disruptions
Autism and Neurodiversity Support

We are proudly neurodiversity-affirming. When providing behavioural therapy for autistic children or those with ADHD, we do not aim to mask neurodivergent traits. Instead, our support focuses on improving quality of life, addressing problem behaviours, accommodating sensory needs, building communication skills, and reducing distress.

Emotional Regulation and Challenging Behaviours

Big emotions can lead to overwhelmingly challenging behaviours. Our therapy empowers children and adolescents with robust emotional regulation strategies, teaching them how to identify their feelings, self-soothe, and communicate their frustrations safely.

The Assessment Process: Your journey with daar

We break the complex process of behaviour analysis down into a clear, family-friendly journey.

1. Data Collection and Observations

A successful FBA relies on accurate information. Our practitioners conduct indirect assessments (interviews with parents, carers, and teachers) and direct observations of the child in their natural environment. Using our telehealth behavioural therapy tools, we can discreetly observe a child in their home, often yielding more authentic behavioural data than a clinical setting.

2. Identifying the Function

By analysing the data, we identify the triggers (antecedents) that spark the behaviour, and the outcomes (consequences) that keep the behaviour happening.

3. Behaviour Support Planning

Once the function is clear, we develop a tailored behaviour support plan. This practical, step-by-step document outlines strategies for family and educators to prevent challenging behaviours, teach replacement skills, and respond safely during a behavioral incident.

 

Children playing calmly after behaviour therapy progress

Who Behavioural Therapy Helps

Functional Behaviour Assessments for Children and Adolescents

Behavioural challenges change as children grow. Our services are tailored to the developmental stages of early childhood, pre-teens, and adolescents. We help young children build foundational communication skills, while assisting teenagers in navigating social complexities, puberty, and increasing independence.

NDIS Behaviour Support

For qualifying participants, daar is equipped to provide NDIS behavior support, including the expertise of a behavior specialist. FBA and behavioral therapy are often funded under the Capacity Building (Improved Relationships) category of an NDIS plan. We work alongside Support Coordinators and Plan Managers to ensure compliance and effective use of funding.

Parent, Caregiver, and School Collaboration

Lasting change happens consistently across a child's day. At daar, we do not simply treat the child in isolation. We actively collaborate with parents, caregivers, and schools. We coach families to implement therapy strategies during the morning rush or bedtime routines, and we work with teachers to ensure classroom environments support the child's behavioural goals.

Specialised Behavioural Therapy

Telehealth Behavioural Therapy Across Australia

We believe that high-quality therapeutic support, including functional behavioral assessment, should be available to every Australian family, regardless of their postcode. daar’s highly secure and user-friendly telehealth behavioural therapy program eliminates geographical barriers, long travel times, and waitlists.

Through video consultations, our qualified practitioners provide real-time coaching, conduct remote functional behaviour assessments, and guide therapy sessions directly in your living room.

What are behaviours of Concern

Dedicated Support for Regional and Remote Communities

Finding a local behavioral therapy specialist can be incredibly difficult outside major capital cities. daar brings expert care to you through a functional behavior assessment approach.

  • Metropolitan Areas: Access prompt support in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, and Darwin.
  • Regional Hubs: We proudly service the Gold Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong, Geelong, Sunshine Coast, Newcastle, and Launceston safely and securely online.
  • Rural and Inland Towns: Families in Toowoomba, Cairns, Townsville, Ballarat, Bendigo, Dubbo, Wagga Wagga, Mildura, and Rockhampton can access our experts without the commute.
  • Remote Communities: We are dedicated to delivering equitable healthcare to Alice Springs, Broome, Mount Isa, Kalgoorlie, Indigenous communities, and across regional Victoria, regional NSW, regional Queensland, regional WA, regional SA, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory.

From the inner city to remote Australia, we offer true nationwide telehealth support anywhere in Australia.

What are Restrictive Practices

The daar Approach & Why Choose Us

When you trust daar with your child’s behavioural health, you are choosing a partner dedicated to compassionate, lasting outcomes.

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Experience & Expertise (EEAT)

Our practitioners are extensively trained in functional behaviour assessments, positive behaviour support, and trauma-informed care.

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Evidence-Based Practice

Everything we do is rooted in the latest peer-reviewed science, ensuring your child receives the safest, most effective interventions available, including effective intervention strategies.

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Evidence-Based Practice

Everything we do is rooted in the latest peer-reviewed science, ensuring your child receives the safest, most effective interventions available, including effective intervention strategies.

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Flexibility

With our industry-leading telehealth platform, you have the flexibility to schedule sessions around your busy life, getting support exactly when you need it.

Take the Next Step for Your Family

If challenging behaviours are impacting your child's happiness and your family's daily life, you don't have to navigate it alone. Understanding the root cause is the key to creating a brighter, more connected future.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is telehealth behavioural therapy effective?

Yes. Extensive research and our clinical experience demonstrate that telehealth is a highly effective delivery model for behavioural therapy, particularly when combined with a behavior intervention plan. It allows us to observe the child in their natural environment and focuses heavily on parent coaching, which leads to better sustained outcomes.

Does my child need an autism diagnosis to receive behavioural therapy?

No. While we provide robust support for autistic children, our functional behaviour assessments and behavioural therapy are designed for any child or adolescent struggling with emotional regulation, developmental delays, or challenging behaviours. 

How long does an FBA take?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the behavioral challenges, the behaviours, and the child's environment. Typically, the process involves a few weeks of observation, data collection by parents and teachers, and interviews before the final report and behaviour support plan are drafted.

  • NDIS Autism Support in Austral

  • NDIS Autism Support in Bankstown

  • NDIS Autism Support in Bass Hill

  • NDIS Autism Support in Cabramatta

  • NDIS Autism Support in Campsie

  • NDIS Autism Support in Canterbury

  • NDIS Autism Support in Carlton

  • NDIS Autism Support in Hurstville

  • NDIS Autism Support in Kingsgrove

  • NDIS Autism Support in Kogarah

  • NDIS Autism Support in Liverpool

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  • NDIS Autism Support in Narwee

  • NDIS Autism Support in Punchbowl

  • NDIS Autism Support in Revesby

  • NDIS Autism Support in Riverwood

  • NDIS Autism Support in Rockdale

  • NDIS Autism Support in Campbelltown

Ready to get the right support for your child? Book your consultation today with our NDIS behaviour support team — call us at 02 9133 2500.

Get access to quality, Efficient, and professional care.

Request a call to find out how daar can help you achieve your health goals.

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